Community Oriented Policing (COPPS)
Questions and Answers
Q: Does Community Policing really work?
A: Yes. Community Policing is working in large and small communities throughout the country.
Many people believe that community policing is our last best chance to restore hope to residents
and revive neighborhoods that may have been devastated by crime.
Q: How does Community Policing differ from conventional police work?
A: Conventional police work is mainly concerned with responding to crime and taking reports after
the crime has happened. Community Policing focuses on preventing crime.
Q: Will Community Policing completely replace conventional policing?
A: No, it will work in support of conventional policing. It is likely that we will always need officers in
patrol cars who can respond quickly to calls for service.
Q: Is Community Policing "soft" on crime?
A: Not at all. Community police officers uphold the law just as in conventional policing, but making
arrests may not always the best way to prevent crime or resolve other problems.
Q: Do officers practicing Community Policing receive special training?
A: Yes. Effective Community Policing requires significant expanded knowledge and skills including public
speaking, group leadership, problem and conflict resolution, problem solving, violence prevention, and
working with community groups.
Q: How do we know if Community Policing is working?
A: Success of Community Policing defies conventional measurement devices. Success is measured by
whether you and other residents feel your neighborhood and community is a better, safer place to live.
